Well, off to the yard to have a look at the new FH we have on demo for a week, have the option to have it for the duration.
Have a magnum at present, but for obvious reasons I wont be getting another new one next year.
I didnt like the old FH, but will I like the new one? or will I have to got back to driving the “new” updated DAFt 105XF SSC, decisions decisions.
Lucky you! Enjoy yourself.
Whilst you’re in it try and work out where the secondary brake is will you, i noticed a tiny little switch on the dash with a brake motive on it, but blowed if i could find a proper parking brake lever anywhere.
Haven’t driven one and to be honest its all too remote from reality for me if that makes sense for a working vehicle, hope they haven’t gone a step too far and have put too much faith in electronics, time will out.
Thankfully they seem to have redeployed the bog cleaner who designed and fitted those wardrobe mirrors to the previous generation (and FM) back to his normal task and have now put some cut outs between the mirrors for peering through.
Looking forward to some real world appraisals, like to hear how it copes with some serious work.
Juddian:
Whilst you’re in it try and work out where the secondary brake is will you, i noticed a tiny little switch on the dash with a brake motive on it, but blowed if i could find a proper parking brake lever anywhere.Haven’t driven one and to be honest its all too remote from reality for me if that makes sense for a working vehicle, hope they haven’t gone a step too far and have put too much faith in electronics, time will out.
Thankfully they seem to have redeployed the bog cleaner who designed and fitted those wardrobe mirrors to the previous generation (and FM) back to his normal task and have now put some cut outs between the mirrors for peering through.
Looking forward to some real world appraisals, like to hear how it copes with some serious work.
could it be the bromm’s (spelling) brake, on the old fh,(version one and two) it’s right next to the parking brake, iirc, when the air pressure drop’s in the vehicle, it pop’s out, and it has to be pushed back in, to be able to release the brake’s on the vehicle.
I’d have the new FH…
Me too ! 
Pimpdaddy:
I’d have the new FH…
Had a sit in one at Truckfest Peterborough, and I’d have to agree - I liked the pre facelift and post facelift of version 2 (if you know what I mean?) and this new one beats it hand down 
Unlike the new DAF XF which is, well, still like inside 
I had a sit in one at a Volvo dealer, nearly wet myself with excitement, it’s really nice…
Haven’t driven one and probably unlikely to any time soon, but a Stuart Nicol driver let me have a sit in his cab and I have to say the mirror set up has been perfected. All other manufacturers should take note. The new FH is how it should be done.
That’s the electronic park brake ain’t it?
I started a new job last week with Robert burns transport got my hands on a 13 plate new fh nice inside good to drive but I’ve only seen one brake still don’t trust it yet but hey oh will look for the second one on Monday night. Only gripe I have is the bed wish I could get a man bed put in it.
Well, i had a sit in it, stood up, banged my head ouch, daughter saying take it for a drive dad, err dont think so, we shall leave it where it is.
I wasn’t impressed with it, I would rather carry on driving my 520 magnum for as long as I can, then go back to a DAFt 105xf ssc.
Well, unless any one can sugest anything better, but the you must have actually driven at least a 12 plate 520 magum, lol!!
I’m just starting my second week tramping in my new fh . Firstly ,the drive is amazing, and has the same goes for the cab and build quality , however if any body can advise on how u power the cabs interior features ( lights/heaters/radio) at night when a key isn’t in the ignition. I’m finding that approximately ten mins after Uve shut down , the truck kills all it s power to the above , the manual says leave the key in setting one ‘living’, but ain’t sure ■■? What are u supposed to do when the RDC gofer takes ur keys off u … No lights or radio etc . I love the truck but the volvo designers must of been cranking up at times as some of its little tricks seem way over complicated…
We have a load of the new Volvo fh’s coming and i had a quick spin in one yesterday but got to say i don’t like that little stupid handbrake system what’s all that about why can’t it have a normal one, personally i reckon it could cause a few roll aways, like i said i only had it for 20 minutes and the handbrake was it’s only fault.
Those of you who have one what’s your opinion on the handbrake ?
Another if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I still can’t forgive Scania for ditching 4 over 4 for 3 over 3.
I’ve not seen the new hand brake in the new FH so can’t comment. The deterioration of our roads means every improvement in ride quality & handling is welcome though so props for that.
Jammy sod - I think they are the dogs doo-dah’s!! Merc running them a close second though.
Just got a new FH XL this week. From a mega space Merc. Huge fridge/freezer and loads of room. everything falls to hand and I love it.
It has the 500 in it which even though not fully run in pulls well with decent full return. I have leather seats in it which are super comfy.
funny though you know its a new model it still feels very well Volvo, bit like a those slippers.
Rides well without much roll, I-shift is smooth and changes quickly and so far not had it hunting for the right gear. Now Handbrake…well takes abit of getting used too. But you do get used to it.
Start up and select drive or ‘A’ and just pull away and the brakes release, no problem, turning off puts it on without you doing anything, once you have done it a few times it is ok. Still has hill start etc.
One thing i don’t like too much are the wiper/engine break storks. I keep catching the Engine break stork rather than the wiper.
Bed is bigger than old and very good.
sorry this is a bit of a ramble…just got in and tired…
Never seen the inside of one yet but judging by the comments about this electric handbrake thing, Im not a fan.
I have no trust, nothing beats pulling a big lever down and hearing “tttttssssshhhhhhhh” to know the park brake is on.
There’s a tiny little red light that glows when the handbrake is on and that’s the only way to tell if it’s on or off.
FarnboroughBoy11:
I have no trust, nothing beats pulling a big lever down and hearing “tttttssssshhhhhhhh” to know the park brake is on.
Mine goes “shhhhhhhoooooooooosh”. Should I be worried?